Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is frequently viewed as one of the most complex but well-loved poker variations. It’s a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, aims for action from every level of players. This is the chief reason why a once obscure variation, has expanded in popularity so amazingly.
Omaha hi lo starts like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are given out to each player. A sequence of betting ensues where gamblers can bet, check, or drop out. 3 cards are handed out, this is known as the flop. One more sequence of wagering ensues. After all the players have in turn called or dropped out, a further card is flipped on the turn. an additional sequence of betting ensues and then the river card is revealed. The players will have to put together the strongest high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is the point where many players get confused. Unlike Texas Hold ‘Em, in which the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi lo the player has to utilize exactly three cards on the board, and exactly 2 cards from their hand. Not a single card more, no less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are two ways a pot could be won: the "higher hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is just how it sounds. It’s the best hand out of everyone’s, it doesn’t matter if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the identical notion in almost every poker game.
A lower hand is more complex, but really opens up the play. When figuring out a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. A low hand is the weakest hand that could be put together, with the lowest value being A-2-3-4-5. Since straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest possible hand. The low hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an eight and below. The low hand wins half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there’s no lower hand available, the high hand wins the whole pot.
While it seems complex at the outset, after a few rounds you will be agile enough to pick up on the basic nuances of the game with ease. Since you have individuals wagering for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha hi/lo provides an overwhelming array of wagering choices and because you have many players battling for the high, as well as several battling for the low hand. If you prefer a game with all kinds of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to compete in Omaha hi-low.